First World War courses in Steyning

ADULT learning group WEA’s Steyning branch is offering two courses to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

The first is an all-day course, The Legacy of World War One, in Steyning Grammar School’s Shooting Field site, on Saturday, September 20.

This will cover different cultural aspects of the war in three sessions, all with different tutors. Bernard Allen will talk about the art of the period, Janet Pressley about the literature and Robert Carrington the music.

Many in Steyning know the poem by John Stanley Purvis, which is inscribed on the wall of Steyning Museum, but much less is known about the powerful paintings of the war.

Music also suffered, because people tried to ban German music and at least six young composers were killed in the war.

The Legacy of World War One course is 9am to 4pm and the fee is £30, including a light lunch.

The second course, A Question of Conscience – Refusing to Fight, is a half-day afternoon session on Friday, October 10, from 2pm to 5pm. This will be taught by Ann Kramer, author of Conchies: Conscientious Objectors of the First World War, at Penfold Hall in Steyning and the fee is £15.

During World War One, around 20,000 men took their stand as conscientious objectors, refusing to be conscripted and pick up arms. Their fascinating story will be told using images and personal testimony.